RE-3P - Entry Level Separation

August 9th, 2011, 08:59 PM

Good afternoon everyone,

I joined the Marine Corps in December of 2009. When I joined, I was given a medical waiver for a congenital heart defect that was corrected when I was 3 years old. Since the defect was corrected, I have had no further symptoms and have always led a very physical lifestyle. However, once I got to recruit training in January, I became very ill. (Which I assume is typical, considering that around 80 people from all over the U.S. are thrown together to live in a squad bay.) I began coughing excessively and feeling some chest pain, which obviously affected my physical abilities and was noticed by my Drill Instructors. I was sent to medical, where I was given an EKG and chest x-ray, both of which came back normal. A Navy doctor automatically recommended me for separation, even though all my tests were negative and I expressed that I wanted to continue training.

Within a month, I was given an uncharacterized Entry Level Separation and sent home. My dd-214 states that my re-entry code is RE-3P, with a separation code of JFV1.

Is there ANY chance that I could join the National Guard? More specifically, the Arkansas NG? I have tried for over a year to get back into the Marine Corps with no luck whatsoever and I desperately want to serve my country. I have seen numerous civilian doctors since returning home and they have all stated that my heart appears normal and I am not limited physically.

I plan on contacting a recruiter tomorrow, but any insight or help from this forum would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Comment

I thought I'd go ahead and update this thread for informational purposes.

My waiver has been accepted at the state level, and I now have a spot reserved as a 31B with my local unit. It is now being sent up to the NGB for approval, and I've been told to expect a 3 day to 3 week wait. Anyone who is in the process of joining with a unfavorable RE code: Don't give up hope. After months of trying, I finally found a GREAT recruiter willing to work with me, and so far the process is going well. Good luck to anyone else out there in a similar situation!